A380 Starts 5000psi Club

Eaton Corporation and Airbus have now unveiled the world's first 5000-psi commercial aircraft hydraulic pump, specifically designed for the world's largest passenger aircraft -- the Airbus A380.

Fluid dynamics 101:

The application of this new higher-pressure standard for fluid power generation on a commercial aircraft will allow Airbus to achieve significant weight savings by reducing the diameter of the hydraulic fluid lines and the size of the components that operate the aircraft's primary flight control system.

Craig Arnold, senior vice president and group executive for Eaton's Fluid Power business, explained, "By elevating the hydraulic system pressure standard for commercial passenger aircraft from 3000-psi to 5000-psi, Eaton and Airbus will be able to reduce aircraft weight, increase reliability and improve operational performance."

Several of the innovative 5,000-psi hydraulic pumps will begin pre-qualification testing this month. Airbus said the first flight of the A380 with the new hydraulic system will be in late 2004 with commercial service to begin in 2006.

Eight Vickers-brand 5000-psi hydraulic pumps will provide fluid power to the aircraft's primary flight controls, landing gear, nose wheel steering and other aircraft utility systems. These higher-pressure pumps will also be the first commercial units designed to mechanically disengage from the main engine gearbox, preventing any fluid contamination from entering the hydraulic system, and significantly improving operational availability to the service airline.

The total Eaton system includes eight engine-driven hydraulic pumps (above) per aircraft and four 5000-psi AC motor pumps (lower photo) with associated electronic controls and protection systems.

Airbus announced in October of 2001 that Eaton won the hydraulic system contract for the A380.

FMI: www.eaton.com; www.airbus.com